Integrated squeezable containers and manufacture thereof

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are presented herein for a method of attaching a strip to a housing. An internal support member is inserted into a collapsible housing, such that it is arranged along a longitudinal axis of an inner surface of the collapsible housing. An outer support member is arranged along an outer surface the collapsible housing opposite the internal support member. A strip is positioned along the outer surface using the outer support member and the internal support member. Then the strip is permanently welded to the outer surface using a welding element. Welding is performed by a welding element located in one (or both) of the internal support member or the outer support member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/903,336 filed on Sep. 20, 2019, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure is directed to containers and systems and methods formanufacturing such containers. A container of the present disclosureincludes one or more strips along which one or more pushers that engagewith the container can move in order to cause the contents of thecontainer to be extruded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Deformable material dispensing containers commonly are composed of atubular or other shaped housing having an opening at one end and beingsealed at the other end. Such containers may house material that can bedisplaced through the opening when the material dispenser (e.g., a tube)is deformed, such as by squeezing, which temporarily diminishes thevolume of the housings to force the contained included material outthrough the opening. However, owing to the housing material and/orgeometrical configuration, the housing tends to return to the originalconfiguration or volume, delaying or interfering with subsequentdispensing of the included material. Additionally, during a squeezingaction, some portion of materials may be displaced in a direction awayfrom the opening, which creates a necessity to make a more refined orcontrolled squeezing action necessary to push those materials to thetube opening.

SUMMARY

A container manufacturing system may include an internal support memberconfigured to be inserted into a collapsible housing (e.g., tube-shapedhousing). The internal support member may be arranged along alongitudinal axis of an inner surface of the collapsible housing. Thesystem may also include an outer support member arranged along an outersurface of the collapsible housing opposite the internal support member.The outer support member and the internal support member, together, maybe configured to position a strip (e.g., a single material ormulti-material strap) along the outer surface of the collapsiblehousing. Further, the outer support member, the internal support member,or both may include at least one welding element configured topermanently weld the strip to the outer surface of the housing.

For example, the strip may be welded to the collapsible housing by thewelding element while the outer support member and the internal supportmember position the strip by, for example, applying pressure on thestrip from opposite sides of the strip. For example, the outer supportmember and the internal support member may apply opposing forces (e.g.,provided by gravity, mechanical press, or pneumatic press) to hold thestrip against the housing while the welding process takes place. In someembodiments, the outer support member holds and positions the strip. Insome embodiments, the internal support member may be an elongated anvilhaving two curved surfaces that match the shape of the collapsiblehousing when it is in its fully un-collapsed state (e.g., in a shape ofa tube). In some embodiments, the internal support member may be of anyother suitable shape (e.g., it may fully or partially match the size andshape of the internal cavity of the collapsible housing as to keep itfrom collapsing).

In some embodiments, ultrasonic sealing techniques may be used to weldthe strip to the collapsible housing. For example, the welding elementmay be positioned in the outer support member. In such embodiments, thewelding element is configured to permanently weld the strip to the outersurface using high-frequency vibrations.

In some embodiments, hot jaw sealing techniques may be used to weld thestrip to the collapsible housing. For example, the welding element mayinclude heating elements positioned in the outer support member andheating elements positioned in the internal support member. In suchembodiments, the welding elements are configured to permanently weld thestrip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using theheating element or elements to partially melt the strip and the wall ofthe housing.

In some embodiments, high-frequency sealing techniques may be used toweld the strip to the collapsible housing. For example, the weldingelement may include electricity-providing elements positioned in theouter support member and/or in internal support elements. In suchembodiments, the welding element is configured to permanently weld thestrip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using ahigh-frequency alternating current provided by the welding element toprovide current to a conductive (e.g., a metal foil) layer inside astrip and/or inside a wall of the housing to melt surrounding materialof the strip or the housing.

In some embodiments, hot air sealing techniques may be used to weld thestrip to the collapsible housing. For example, the welding element maybe located in the outer support member and an air pathway forhigh-temperature air can be used to deliver the hot air. In suchembodiments, the welding element is configured to permanently weld thestrip to the outer surface of the collapsible container by using thehigh-temperature air circulating in or otherwise delivered by the airpathway. For example, the strip may be held slightly away from thesurface of the housing while hot air circulates in the welding elementbetween the strip and outer surface of the housing. After sufficienttemperature is achieved, the strip is lowered to the housing.

Methods for welding the strip to the collapsible housing (e.g., tomanufacture the container) are also provided. In some embodiments, aninternal support member is inserted into a collapsible housing such thatit is arranged along a longitudinal axis of an inner surface of thecollapsible housing. In some embodiments, the internal support memberprevents the collapsible housing from fully or partially collapsingduring the welding process. The outer support is also arranged along anouter surface of the collapsible housing opposite the internal supportmember. The outer support may be positioned either manually or using anysuitable device configured to place support members (e.g., a mechanicalarm or a press). The strip (that is to be welded) may be positionedalong the outer surface using the outer support member and the internalsupport member. For example, the internal support member may be used tohold the collapsible housing in a steady and un-collapsed state whilethe outer support member may be used to position the strip along theouter surface of the collapsible housing. Once the strip is positioned,the welding element (contained within one or both of the internalsupport member and the outer support member) may be activated topermanently weld the strip to the outer surface.

Any suitable technique may be used to achieve the welding, includingultrasonic sealing, hot jaw sealing, high-frequency sealing, and hot airsealing, as described above and below.

Also provided are multi-housing containers, for example, wherecollapsible containers (e.g., tube-shaped containers) are nested,connected side by side, or both. In some embodiments, two collapsiblecontainers (e.g., tubes) may be nested inside one another. A strip maybe attached (e.g., by permanent welding or using permanent or temporaryadhesives) to the outer surface of the outer container. The strip mayact as a guide for a pusher configured to selectively collapse bothinner and outer nested collapsible containers. In such embodiments, apusher may be provided with an aperture through which both nestedcontainers and the strip are inserted. The aperture may have a shapethat is wider in the middle and flatter to both sides. Such a shape,advantageously, allows both widths of both nested containers to passthrough the middle while causing a flatter portion of the aperture tocollapse the portions of the outer container that do not align withportions of the inner container and causing the wider portion of theaperture to collapse the portions of the outer container aligned withportions of the inner container.

In some embodiments, two collapsible containers may be positioned sideby side. For example, the two collapsible containers may be welded orglued together along a length of their respective outer surfaces. Astrip may be attached (e.g., by permanent or temporary welding oradhesives) to the outer surface of one of the containers. The strip mayact as a guide for a pusher configured to selectively collapse bothcollapsible containers. In such embodiments, a pusher may be providedwith an aperture through which both containers and the strip may beinserted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the disclosure will beapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and an unattachedstrip, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled container with aa stripattached to a housing according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a housing, strip, internalsupport member, and outer support member, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure where the internal support member is inserted intothe housing;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member, in which the internal support memberand the outer support member position the strip along the outer surfaceof the housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged portion of the front view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the strip, according to some embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the strip, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a housing, strip, internalsupport member, and outer support member, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure, where the internal support member is inserted intothe housing;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member in which the internal support memberand the outer support member position the strip along the outer surfaceof the housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a front view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged portion of the front view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the strip, according to some embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the strip, according to some embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary internal support member ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary internal supportmember of FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary outer support member ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary outer supportmember of FIG. 12;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a housing, strip, internalsupport member, and outer support member, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure where the internal support member is inserted intothe housing;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member in which the internal support memberand the outer support member position the strip along the outer surfaceof the housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a front view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged portion of the front view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the strip, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a front view of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a sectional side view of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a sectional front view of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary internal supportmember of FIG. 23;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an exemplary internal support member ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an exemplary outer support member ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary outer supportmember of FIG. 23;

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of a housing, strip, internalsupport member, and outer support member, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure, where the internal support member is inserted intothe housing;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and exploded outer support member, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure, where the internal support member is insertedinto the housing;

FIG. 37 is a front view of an outer support member of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a side cutaway view of an outer support member of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is another partial enlarged view of FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is another partial enlarged view of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member, in which the internal support memberand the outer support member position the strip above the outer surfaceof the housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a front view of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a side cutaway view of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is another partial enlarged view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 47 is another partial enlarged view of FIG. 44;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, internal supportmember, and outer support member, in which the internal support memberand the outer support member position the strip next to the outersurface of the housing, according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 49 is a front view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a side cutaway view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is another partial enlarged view of FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is another partial enlarged view of FIG. 50

FIG. 54 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary outer supportmember of FIG. 48;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an exemplary outer support member ofFIG. 48;

FIG. 56 is a side view of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a front view of FIG. 55;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of an exemplary outer support member ofFIG. 54;

FIG. 59 is a top view of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a front sectional view of FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is another front sectional view of FIG. 58;

FIG. 61A is a perspective view of a strip, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, and un-attachedpusher, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a housing, strip, and inserted pusher,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 64 is a top view of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is a side view of FIG. 63 with material inside of the housing;

FIG. 66 is a cutaway side view of FIG. 63;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a pusher, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 68 is a front view FIG. 66;

FIG. 69 is a side view of FIG. 66;

FIG. 70 is an exploded perspective view of a pusher, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a pusher, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 72 is a front view of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a cutaway side view of FIG. 71;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a housing, strips, and an un-attachedpusher, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a housing, strips, and an insertedpusher, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of a pusher, according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 77 is a front view of FIG. 77;

FIG. 78 is a cutaway side view of FIG. 77;

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a nested housing with attached strip,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 80 is a front view of FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is a cutaway side view of FIG. 79;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of a pusher for a nested containeraccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 83 is a front view of FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 82;

FIG. 85 is a cutaway side view of a FIG. 82;

FIG. 86 is an exploded perspective view of two housings and a strip,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of two housings, with an attached strip,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 88 is a front view of FIG. 87;

FIG. 89 is a side view of FIG. 87; and

FIG. 90 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for attaching a stripto a housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict a collapsible housing 2 (e.g., of a container)and a strip 4 that can be detachably or permanently connected (e.g., bywelding or permanent or detachable glue). While a tubular housing isdepicted, it will be understood that any other suitable shape of housingmay be used. FIG. 1 shows a view where strip 4 is disconnected fromhousing 2. FIG. 2 shows a view where strip 4 is connected to housing 2.In some embodiments, the connection may be accomplished using any of theembodiments described above or below, e.g., using methods and systemsdepicted in FIGS. 3-61.

In some embodiments, strip 4 may be composed of any one or more oflaminate, plastic, metal, laminate with or without conductive layers(e.g., a foil layer), or any other suitable material or combination ofmaterials (e.g., layers of materials). Housing 2 may be composed of anyone or more of laminate, plastic, metal, laminate with or without aconductive layer (e.g., a foil layer), or any other suitable material orcombination of materials (e.g., layers of materials). In someembodiments, housing 2 may be deformable or collapsible (e.g., in a wayto squeeze out material stored inside of housing 2). In someembodiments, housing 2 may be elongated. Strip 4 may be attached to anouter surface of housing 2 in the direction of the elongation (i.e.,along the longitudinal axis of housing 2).

1. Ultrasonic Sealing

FIGS. 3-9 depict a system (e.g., system 20) for connecting strip 4 tohousing 2 using ultrasonic sealing to create a permanent weld betweenthe lower surface of strip 4 and the outer surface of housing 2.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of system 20 including internal supportmember 6, and an outer support member (which may include ultrasonic horn8 and energy source 12 attached to ultrasonic sealing horn 8), which areconfigured to permanently weld strip 4 (e.g., teethed strip) to housing2. In some embodiments, housing 2 may be extruded or laminated. In someembodiments, the material of strip 4 may have a melting temperatureclose to the melting temperature of the material of housing 2. FIG. 4shows internal support member 6 inserted into housing 2 to keep it in anun-collapsed state.

In some embodiments, the outer support member includes a welding elementthat includes ultrasonic horn 8 and energy source 12 attached toultrasonic horn 8, in which the ultrasonic horn provides ultrasonicvibrations when energy source 12 is active. Energy source 12 may be atransducer or any other wired or wireless source or conduit of electricenergy (e.g., energy sources 14). In some embodiments, electric energy14 may be connected to another energy source by at least one wire orcircuitry connected to a power grid, a battery, a generator, or anyother electrical power source. In some embodiments, electrical energy 14may be provided by induction.

FIGS. 5-6 show perspective, front, and enlarged views of system 20(e.g., in the process of welding strip 4 to housing 2). FIG. 7 shows anenlarged view of area A in FIG. 6. As shown, internal support member 6may be shaped in a form of an elongated anvil, with the outer surfacesof the anvil at least matching the shape of housing 2 in itsun-collapsed form. In some embodiments, other elongated shapes ofinternal support member 6 may be used, to prevent housing 2 fromcollapsing during welding operations.

In some embodiments, internal support member 6 may be inserted intohousing 2. Then strip 4 may be oriented to housing 2, as shown in FIGS.4-7, by ultrasonic sealing horn 8 (which is connected to the source ofthe high-frequency vibration 14) and positioned opposite of internalsupport member 6. In particular, internal support member 6 andultrasonic sealing horn 8 may apply pressure to the strip 4 to hold itin place alongside housing 2 during activation of power sources 14,which results in the transfer of energy to source 12 which in turntransfers energy to horn 8, which provides ultrasonic vibrations tostrip 4 and/or housing 2.

In some embodiments, strip 4 may include energy director extensions 16(e.g., made of the same material as strip 4 or a different material fromthe rest of strip 4) to better conduct ultrasonic vibrations from horn8. High-frequency vibrations may be generated by element 12 when it'spowered (e.g., by power sources 14) and transferred to energy directorextensions 16. In some embodiments energy director extensions 16 mayhave a prism shape, which is elongated along the length of strip 4.

Together, internal support member 6 and ultrasonic sealing horn 8 mayapply pressure to hold strip 4 and housing 2 in place whilehigh-frequency vibrations are applied via ultrasonic sealing horn 8resulting in a permanent weld developing between strip 4 and housing 2(e.g., due to the vibrations partially melting the outer surface ofhousing 2 and the lower surface of strip 4 and subsequentre-solidification).

2. Hot Jaw Sealing

FIGS. 10-20 depict methods and system (e.g., system 30) for connectingstrip 18 to housing 2 using heat to create a permanent weld between anouter surface of strip 18 and housing 2. In some embodiments, strip 18becomes permanently attached to the housing 2 surface by operation of awelding element contained in the outer support member that includescompression member 22 and heating elements 24 connected to compressionmember 22 and powered by electrical energy source 23. In someembodiments, heating elements 22 may partially melt the outer surface ofhousing 2 and the lower surface of strip 18, resulting in a permanentweld after re-solidification. In some embodiments, the internal supportmember 26 (e.g., an elongated anvil) may additionally or alternativelyinclude a welding element comprising heating element 28 that may bepowered by electrical source 34 and is configured to partially melt theouter surface of housing 2 and the lower surface of strip 18 resultingin a permanent weld after re-solidification.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of system 30 for hot jaw weldingincluding an outer support member (which may include compression member22), and internal support member 26 that is configured to permanentlyweld strip 18 (e.g., teethed strip) to housing 2. In some embodiments,the housing may be extruded or laminated. In some embodiments, thematerial of strip 4 may have a melting temperature close to the meltingtemperature of the material of housing 2. FIG. 11 shows internal supportmember 26 inserted into housing 2 to keep it in an un-collapsed state.

In some embodiments, the outer support member includes a welding elementthat includes heating elements 24 connected to electrical energy source23. Energy source 23 may be a transducer or any other wired or wirelesssource or conduit of electrical energy. In some embodiments, electricalenergy may be provided to energy source 23 by at least one wire orcircuitry connected to a power grid, a battery, a generator, or anyother electrical power source.

In some embodiments, internal support member 26 includes a weldingelement that includes heating element 28 connected to electrical energysource 34. Energy source 34 may be a transducer or any other wired orwireless source or conduit of electrical energy. In some embodiments,electrical energy may be provided to energy source 34 by at least onewire or circuitry connected to a power grid, to a battery, a generator,or any other electrical power source.

FIGS. 12-14 show perspective, front, and enlarged views of a system 30,for example system 30 (e.g., in process of welding strip 18 to housing2). FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of area B in FIG. 13. As shown,internal support member 26, may be shaped like an elongated anvil withan outer surface matching the shape of housing 2 in its un-collapsedform. In some embodiments, other elongated shapes of internal supportmember 26 may be used to prevent housing 2 from collapsing duringwelding operations.

In some embodiments, internal support member 26 may be inserted intohousing 2. Then strip 18 may be oriented to housing 2, as showing FIGS.12-14, by compression member 22. In particular, internal support member26 and by compression member 22 may apply pressure to the strip 18 tohold it in place alongside housing 2 during activation of power sources23 and/or 34, which results in the transfer of energy from sources 23and/or 34, which in turn transfers heat to the outer surface of housing2 and surfaces of strip 18 which melts the surface of strip 18 andhousing 2 surface to create a permanent weld after re-solidification.

In some embodiments, strip 18 may have teeth at the top and a flatwelding surface 36 on the bottom configured to tightly bind to the outersurface of housing 2. In some embodiments, a flat welding surface 36 maybe of the same material as strip 18 or may be of another material thatis more suitable to welding.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show additional views (assembled and exploded) ofinternal support members, which include tube support 26 configured tokeep housing 2 in the un-collapsed state. As shown internal supportmembers may include grooves for housing two heating elements 28. Heatingelement 28 may be configured to exude heat when electrical power isprovided to them.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show additional views (assembled and exploded) of anouter support member, which includes a compression member 22, whichincludes grooves for housing two heating elements 24. Heating elements24 may be configured to exude heat when electrical power is provided tothem. Together, the internal support member and the outer support membermay crimp housing 2 and strip 18 while heat is provided by one of orboth heating elements 24 and 28 to weld housing 2 and strip 18.

3. High-Frequency Sealing

FIGS. 21-33 depict methods and system (e.g., system 40) for connectingstrip 38 to housing 2 using high-frequency electric power to create apermanent weld between an outer surface of strip 38 and housing 2. Insome embodiments, strip 38 becomes permanently attached to the housing 2surface by operation of a welding element contained in the outer supportmember which includes compression member 42 and inductor 44 connected tocompression member 42 and powered by electrical energy source 46. Insome embodiments, inductor 44 (e.g., when powered by electric powersource 46) may partially melt the outer surface of housing 2 and thelower surface of strip 38 (e.g., by providing power to the conductivelayer of housing 2 and/or conductive layer of strip 38), resulting in apermanent weld after re-solidification. In some embodiments, internalsupport member 48 (e.g., an anvil) may additionally or alternativelyinclude inductor 52 that may be powered by electrical source 56 and isconfigured to partially melt the outer surface of housing 2 and thelower surface of strip 18 (e.g., by providing power to the conductivelayer of housing 2 and/or conductive layer of strip 38), resulting in apermanent weld after re-solidification.

FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of system 40 for high frequency sealingwelding including an outer support member (which may include compressionmember 42), and internal support member 48 that is configured topermanently weld strip 38 (e.g., teethed strip) to housing 2. In someembodiments, strip 38 may include several layers as shown in FIG. 29,which depicts a cross-section of strip 38. In particular, strip 38 mayinclude an aluminum layer 64 (or another conductive layer) surrounded byother material layers 68 and 62 (e.g., plastic or laminate). Housing 2may additionally or alternatively include an aluminum layer (or anotherconductive layer) that is surrounded by other non-conductive materials(e.g., plastic or laminate).

In some embodiments, the outer support member includes a welding elementwhich includes inductor 44 connected to electrical energy source 46.Energy source 46 may be a transducer or any other wired or wirelesssource or conduit of electrical energy. In some embodiments, electricalenergy may be provided to energy source 46 by at least one wire orcircuitry connected to a power grid, a battery, a generator, or anyother electrical power source.

In some embodiments, internal support member 48 includes a weldingelement which includes inductor 52 connected to electrical energy source56. Energy source 56 may be a transducer or any other wired or wirelesssource or conduit of electrical energy. In some embodiments, electricalenergy may be provided to energy source 56 by at least one wire orcircuitry connected to a power grid, a battery, a generator, or anyother electrical power source.

FIGS. 23-25 show perspective, front, and enlarged views of system 40(e.g., in the process of welding strip 38 to housing 2). FIG. 25 showsan enlarged view of area C in FIG. 24. As shown, internal support member48 may be shaped like an elongated anvil, with an outer surface matchingthe shape of housing 2 in its un-collapsed form. In some embodiments,other elongated shapes of internal support member 48 may be used, toprevent housing 2 from collapsing during welding operations.

In some embodiments, internal support member 48 may be inserted intohousing 2. Then strip 38 may be oriented to housing 2, as showing FIGS.23-25, by compression member 42. In particular, the internal supportmember 48 and compression member 42 may apply pressure to the strip 18to hold it in place alongside housing 2 during activation of powersources 46 and/or 56, which results in the transfer of energy fromsources 46 and/or 56 to inductors 44 and/or 52, which in turn transferhigh-frequency alternating current to a conductive layer inside strip 38and/or a conductive layer inside a wall of housing 2, which melts thesurface of strip 38 and/or surface of housing 2 to create a permanentweld after re-solidification. Once the temperature reaches the meltingpoint (e.g., 170 degrees Celsius), pressure may be applied to strip 38and housing 2 (e.g., manually or using any suitable mechanical orpneumatic device) to complete the sealing process.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 26, strip 38 may have teethedportion 58 at the top and a flat compression surfaces 54 at the top(surrounding teethed portion 58) to enable tight compression bycompression member 42. FIG. 27 shows the front view of strip 38 showingu-shaped compression portion 54. FIG. 28 shows sectional view D fromFIG. 27 to illustrate teethed portion 58 in between compression portion54. FIG. 29 shows sectional view F taken from FIG. 28. As shown, strip38 includes portions 68 and 62, made from non-conductive material (e.g.,non-metal, plastic, or laminate material), and portion 64, made fromaluminum (or another conductive or metal material). During welding,high-frequency alternating current may be provided to portion 64,resulting in an increase in temperature to portion 64, subsequentincrease in temperature to portions 64 and 68, resulting in full orpartial melting of portion 68. In some embodiments, portion 68re-solidifies and permanently binds to the outer surface of housing 2.

FIGS. 31 and 31 show additional views (assembled and exploded) of aninternal support member which includes tube support 48 configured tokeep housing 2 in the un-collapsed state. As shown, internal supportmember 48 may include a groove for housing inductor 52. Inductor 52 maybe configured to transfer high-frequency alternating current to foillayer 64 when powered by power source 56. Inductor 52 may also beconfigured to transfer high-frequency alternating current to a foillayer of housing 2 (e.g., to partially melt the outer surface of housing2 during welding).

FIGS. 32 and 33 show additional views (assembled and exploded) of anouter support member, which includes a compression member 42 whichincludes a groove for housing inductor 44. Inductor 44 may be configuredto transfer high-frequency alternating current to foil layer 64 whenpowered by power source 56. Inductor 44 may also be configured totransfer high-frequency alternating current to a foil layer of housing 2(e.g., to partially melt the outer surface of housing 2 during welding).

4. Hot Air Sealing

FIGS. 34-61A depict methods and systems (e.g., system 50) for connectingstrip 88 to housing 2 using high-temperature air (or another gas) tocreate a permanent weld between an outer surface of strip 88 and housing2. In some embodiments, strip 88 becomes permanently attached to thehousing 2 surface by operation of the welding element contained in theouter support member, which includes a heating chamber 60. Heatingchamber 60 may include heating chamber cover 76, hot air inlet 82,negative pressure inlet 78, and upper plate directors 74′ and 74. Insome embodiments, hot air (or another hot gas) circulating throughchamber 60 may partially melt the outer surface of housing 2 and thelower surface of strip 88 (e.g., by providing heat to housing 2 and/orstrip 88), resulting in a permanent weld after re-solidification.

FIGS. 34-36 show various exploded and cutaway perspective views ofsystem 50 (e.g., in the process of welding strip 88 to housing 2). Asshown, internal support member 72 may be shaped like an elongated anvil,with an outer surface matching the shape of housing 2 in itsun-collapsed form. In some embodiments, other elongated shapes ofinternal support member 72 may be used, to prevent housing 2 fromcollapsing during welding operations.

In some embodiments, internal support member 72 may be inserted intohousing 2. Then strip 88 may be oriented to housing 2, as showing inFIG. 36, by heating chamber 60. In particular, the internal supportmember 72 and heating chamber 60 may apply pressure to the strip 88 anduse negative pressure to hold strip 88 in place slightly away fromhousing 2 while hot air (or another gas) flows through the heatingchamber, which melts the surface of strip 88 and/or surface of housing2. After the melting, negative pressure may be removed to bring strip 88in contact with housing 2 to create a permanent weld afterre-solidification.

FIG. 36 shows exploded perspective views of system 50 with a cutaway ofthe heating chamber 60. As shown, heating chamber 60 may include heatingchamber cover 76, the hot air inlet 82, negative pressure inlet 78, andupper plate directors 74′ and 74. Upper plate directors 74′ and 74 maybe connected to compression member 84, which in turn is configured toapply pressure to strip 88 after activation of the welding element ofsystem 50 to weld strip 88 to housing 2.

FIG. 37 shows the front view of the heating chamber 60 (e.g., whenteethed strip 88 is located inside the chamber of the heating chamber60). FIG. 38 shows sectional cutaway view G of the heating chamber 60from FIG. 37. As shown, the heating chamber 60 may include compressionmember 84 that positions strip 88. The heating chamber 60 may alsoinclude upper plate directors 74 and 74′ attached to compression member84 and configured to selectively position compression member 84 relativeto the upper plate 92 of the heating chamber cover 76. The heatingchamber 60 may also include rubber gasket 94 under upper plate 92configured to provide an airtight seal. The heating chamber 60 may alsoinclude hot air inlet 82 and hot air outlet 98. In some embodiments,during welding, hot air (or another heated gas) may be forced into hotair inlet 82 (e.g., using any suitable device from providing hot airsuch as boiler or compressor). For example, an air pipe may be connectedfrom a hot air source to hot air inlet 82. In some embodiments, duringwelding, hot air (or another heated gas) may exit chamber 60 from hotair outlet 98, for example, due to hot air being forced into hot airinlet 82. In some embodiments, chamber 60 may also include negativepressure inlet 78. In some embodiments negative pressure inlet, 78 maybe connected to any suitable system for creating negative pressure(e.g., a vacuum providing device or a pump) by a pipe or anothersuitable connector. In some embodiments, during welding, pressure inlet78 may be used to selectively lower compression member 84 inside chamber60 to make strip 88 contact the outer surface of housing 2 or notcontact the outer surface of housing 2 (e.g., by selectively providingor releasing various amounts of negative pressure in negative pressureinlet 78).

FIGS. 39-41 show several enlarged views K, H, and J from FIG. 38. Asshown, the heating chamber 60 may further include several screws 96driven through apertures in the upper plate 92 and rubber gasket 94 andcompression member 84 and positioned under heating chamber cover 76.While six screws are shown, any number of screws may be used.

FIGS. 42 and 43 show perspective and front views of system 50 beforecompression member 84 is lowered inside chamber 60 to make strip 88contact the outer surface of housing 2. FIG. 44 shows a sectional sideview L from FIG. 43 during the welding operation. In particular, airflowA1 may be provided into inlet 82 to exit chamber 60 from outlet 98 asflow A2. At the same time, low pressure (e.g., vacuum V1) may beprovided via inlet 78 to keep compression member 84 and strip 88 awayfrom the outer surface of housing 2 into which internal support member72 is inserted. FIGS. 45-47 show enlarged views P, M, and N from FIG.44. During the welding operation, airflow A1 to A2 may heat andpartially melt the bottom surface of strip 88 and the upper outersurface of housing 2 in preparation for welding.

FIGS. 48 and 49 show perspective and front views of system 50 aftercompression member 84 is lowered inside chamber 60 to make strip 88contact the outer surface of housing 2. FIG. 50 shows a sectional sideview 2 from FIG. 49 during the welding operation. In particular, airflowA1 may be no longer provided. At the same time, low pressure (e.g.,vacuum V1) may be no longer provided via inlet 78 to result incompression member 84 and strip 88 moving down to contact the outersurface of housing 2, into which internal support member 72 is inserted.FIGS. 51-53 show enlarged views T, S, and R from FIG. 50. During thewelding operation, partially melted bottom surface of strip 88 andpartially melted upper outer surface of housing 2 contact, which resultsin a permanent weld after re-solidification.

FIG. 54 shows an exploded view of the heating chamber 60. As can beseen, screws 96 may be connected to the member with upper platedirectors 74 and 74′ to upper plate 92, to rubber gasket 94 tocompression member 84. After the assembly with screws 96, assembledcompression member 84 may move up or down with respect to heatingchamber cover 76 due to upper plate directors 74 and 74′ and negativepressure inlet 78 fitting through matching apertures in heating chambercover 76. Heating chamber cover 76 may also include hot air inlet 82 andhot air outlet 98.

FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of the heating chamber cover 76. Asshown, it may include aperture 104 for upper plate directors 74,aperture 104′ for upper plate directors 74′, and aperture 106 fornegative pressure inlet 78. FIG. 56 shows a side view of the heatingchamber cover 76. FIG. 57 shows a front view of heating chamber cover 76illustrating a curved cover cutout for enabling chamber cover 76 tocontact the curved outer surface of housing 2 with internal supportmember 72 inserted.

FIG. 58 shows is a perspective view of heating chamber's 60 compressionmember 84. Chamber compression member 84 may include negative pressurecutouts 108. Chamber compression member 84 may also include threadedapertures 105 for screws 96. FIG. 59 shows the top view of heatingchamber 60 compression member 84 illustrating negative pressure cutouts108 and 112. FIGS. 60 and 61 show sectional views V and W of compressionmember 84 further illustrating negative pressure cutouts 108 and 112.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 61A, strip 88 may have teethedportion 89 at the top and flat compression surfaces at the top(surrounding teethed portion 89) to enable tighter compression bycompression member 84.

In some embodiments, strip 88 may be located inside heating chamberassembly 60. Strip 88 may be held in place by suction and negativepressure “V1” (e.g., as shown in FIG. 44) delivered through inlet 78. Insome embodiments, internal support member 72 may be inserted intohousing 2. Then, heating chamber assembly 50 may be positioned such thatsurface 102 contacts the outer surface of housing 2. Afterward, hot air“A1” (e.g., as shown in FIG. 44) may be supplied through inlet 82(towards outlet 98) to heat housing 2 surface and surface of strip 88.Hot air may circulate through heating chamber assembly 60 from inlet 82to outlet 98. When the temperature of the surfaces of strip 88 andhousing 2 reaches a desirable point for welding (e.g., 170 degreesCelsius), the compression member 84 of heating chamber assembly 50 maycompress strip 88 to the outer surface of housing 2 to complete theweld. The desirable point for temperature may be detected using athermometer. Alternatively, a timing chart may be used to determine thatthe desirable point for temperature has been reached. Heating chamberassembly 60 may include inlet 78 for suction, inlet 82 and outlet 98 forcirculation of hot air, and screws 95 for holding assembly and parts ofthe assembly shown in FIG. 54 in place. For example, heating chamberassembly 60 may include rubber gasket 95, and compression member 84 heldtogether by screws 96.

5. Housing and Pusher

FIGS. 62-69 depict the use of single body pusher 114. FIG. 62 showssealed housing 2 with attached teethed strip 122. Strip 122 may beattached using any one of the embodiments described above. Also shown ispusher 114, in which pusher 114 may be configured to engage with theteeth of strip 122 to selectively compress and collapse housing 2 (e.g.,to expel material contained by housing 2). In some embodiments, pusher114 may be a single body pusher. As shown in FIG. 63, pusher 114 mayinclude an aperture that can accept the sealed end of housing 2, whichallows pusher 114 to move along the length of housing 2. FIG. 64.depicts a top view of housing 2 with attached strip 122 and insertedpusher 114. FIG. 65 is a side view of housing 2 with attached strip 122and inserted pusher 114. As shown, housing 2 may include materialinside, which is selectively expelled by the movement of pusher 114 whenhousing 2 selectively collapses.

FIG. 66 is a sectional view X of housing/pusher assembly of FIG. 64. Asshown, pusher 114 may include flexible lip 124 configured to engage withthe teeth of strip 122. In particular, lip 124 may be angled against thelength of housing 2, so as not to impede the movement of pusher 114along the length of housing 2 in the forward direction, but to catch onteeth and impede the movement of pusher 114 along the length of housing2 in the backwards direction.

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of pusher 114. As shown, pusher 114 mayinclude an aperture configured to accept parts of housing 2 through thenarrow part of the aperture and parts of housing 2 and strip 122 throughthe wide part of the aperture.

FIGS. 68 and 69 are front and side views of pusher 114. In someembodiments, the aperture may have height H1 in narrow portions, whereH1 matches the height of housing 2 in a collapsed state. In someembodiments, the aperture may have height H2 in wide portions, where H2matches the height of housing 2 in the collapsed state added with theheight of strip 122. The aperture may have total length L1, whichmatches the width of housing 2. The wide part of the aperture may havelength L2, which matches the width of strip 122.

6. Housing and Assembly Pusher

FIGS. 70-73 depict assembly pusher 80. FIG. 70 is an exploded view ofassembly pusher 80, comprising pusher upper body 124 and pusher lowerbody 126. In some embodiments, pusher upper body 124 may have engagementpins 128 and pusher lower body 126 may have engagement apertures 126.Engagement pins 128 may be press-fitted (e.g., by manufacturer or by anend-user) to snap pusher upper body 124 and pusher lower body 126together, as shown in FIG. 71. In some embodiments, pusher upper body124 and pusher lower body 126 may also be welded after the snap inplace. Pusher 80 may be inserted over housing 2 and strip 122 assemblyfrom the rear portion of housing 2. In some embodiments, pusher upperbody 124 and pusher lower body 126 of pusher 80 may be connected by sideinsertion. FIG. 72 shows the front view of pusher 80. FIG. 73 showscross-section view Y of pusher 80 from FIG. 72. As shown, pusher upperbody 124 may include a flexible lip 134. In particular, lip 134 may beangled against the length of housing 2, so as not to impede the movementof pusher 80 along the length of housing 2 in the forward direction, butto catch on teeth and impeded the movement of pusher 80 along the lengthof housing 2 in the backwards direction.

7. Multi-Strip Container

FIGS. 74-78 depict a multi-strip container. Each of strips 134 may bewelded to housing 2 using any technique described above or by use oftemporary or permanent adhesive. While two strips are shown, any numberof strips may be attached to housing 2.

FIG. 74 shows sealed housing 2 with attached teethed strips 134. Strips134 may be attached using any one of the embodiments described above.Also shown is pusher 136, in which pusher 136 may be configured toengage with teeth of both strips 134 to selectively compress andcollapse housing 2 (e.g., to expel material contained by housing 2). Insome embodiments, pusher 136 may be a single body pusher or assemblypusher. As shown in FIG. 76, pusher 136 may include an aperture that canaccept the sealed end of housing 2, which enables pusher 114 to movealong the length of housing 2, resulting in selective collapsing ofhousing 2.

FIG. 77 is a front view of pusher 136 with an aperture that includes anarrow portion and two wide portions. In some embodiments, the aperturemay have height H1 in narrow portions, where H1 matches the height ofhousing 2 in its collapsed state. In some embodiments, the aperture mayhave height H3 in wide portions, where H3 matches the height of housing2 in its collapsed state added with the height of one of strips 134. Theaperture may have total length L1, which matches the width of housing 2.Each wide part of the aperture may have length L3, which matches thewidth of each strip 134.

FIG. 78 shows cross-section view Z of pusher 136 from FIG. 77. As shown,pusher upper body 124 may include flexible lip 138. In particular, lip138 may be angled against the length of housing 2, so as not to impedethe movement of pusher 138 along the length of housing 2 in the forwarddirection, but to catch on the teeth of both strips 134 and impede themovement of pusher 80 along the length of housing 2 in the backwardsdirection.

8. Nested Housings

FIGS. 79-85 depict an assembly of a container that includes an outerhousing 144 (e.g., a tube) with a larger diameter and inner housing 146(e.g., a tube) with a smaller diameter, where housing 146 is locatedinside housing 144. Housings 146 and 144 may be held together at thefront in a way that allows the material to be expelled out of bothhousings at the same time (e.g., by reducing the volume of housing 144and housing 146 simultaneously by concurrent collapsing of both housings144 and 146).

FIG. 79 shows a perspective view of nested tube assembly 100 comprisingouter housing 144, and an inner housing 146. In some embodiments, strip148 may be permanently or detachably attached to the surface of housings144 (e.g., using any welding methods described above or by permanent ordetachable glue). In some embodiments, the strip may be attached toouter housing 144 before or after outer housing 144 is attached to innerhousing 146.

FIG. 80 shows the front view of nested tube assembly 100. FIG. 81—is across-section view AA of nested tube assembly 100 from FIG. 80. As canbe seen, two distinct cavities for materials are created, one insideinner housing 146, and one outside housing 146 but inside housing 144.

FIG. 82 shows a perspective view of pusher 142 suitable for nested tubeassembly 100. Pusher 142 may include a flexible lip 152. In particular,lip 152 may be angled against the length of housing 144, so as not toimpede the movement of pusher 142 along the length of housing 144 in theforward direction, but to catch on the teeth of strip 148 and impede themovement of pusher 142 along the length of housing 144 in the backwardsdirection.

In one approach, a user may manually collapse both housings 144 and 146to expel the same or different materials housed in two cavities ofnested tube assembly 100. However, such an approach is deficient becauseit is difficult for an end-user to evenly squeeze out material from bothcavities. The use of pusher 142 along strip 148 solves this problem bycollapsing an exact amount of both housings 144 and 146 with each moveof the pusher from lip 152 engaging one tooth of strip 148 to lip 152engaging the next tooth of strip 148. In this way, precise doses of bothmaterials can be squeezed out, allowing for use in applications wherethe precise ratio of expelled materials is critical (e.g., when mixingepoxy and an epoxy activator).

FIG. 83 shows a front view of pusher 142 showing an aperture with anarrow portion, a wider portion, and the widest portion in the middle.In some embodiments, the length of the narrow portion L4 may correspondto the width of outer housing 144 in a collapsed state. The length of awider portion L5 may correspond to the width of inner housing 146 in acollapsed state. Moreover, the length of the widest portion of theaperture (in the middle) may correspond to the width of strip 148. Theheight of narrow portion H4 may correspond to the height of outerhousing 144 in its collapsed state. The height of the wider portion H5may correspond to the height of outer housing 144 in its collapsed stateadded with the height of inner housing 146 in its collapsed state. Inthis way, when guided by strip 148, pusher 142 may accommodate bothouter housing 144 and inner housing 146 being pushed through theaperture to squeeze out material from both housings 144 and 146.Additionally, the widest portion of the aperture (in the middle) maycorrespond to the height of outer housing 144 in its collapsed stateadded with the height of inner housing 146 in its collapsed state addedto the height of strip 148. In this way, lip 152 may engage with theteeth of strip 148 when pusher 142 is pushed along the length of bothhousings 144 and 146.

FIG. 84 is a cross-sectional view AC of pusher 142 from FIG. 83. FIG. 85is a cross-section view AB from FIG. 83. This view further illustratesthe flexible lip 152.

9. Two Housing Assembly

FIGS. 86-89 depicts an assembly of a container that includes twohousings 164 (e.g., tubes) permanently or detachably connected side byside (e.g., by a weld described above or using permanent or detachableglue, or by a pusher). One or both of housings 164 may further includeattached strip 162. Strip 162 may be permanently or detachably attachedto one of housings 164 by any of the welding techniques described aboveor by permanent or detachable glue. When a pusher is moved alonghousings 164 guided by strip 162, the material may be squeezed out fromboth housings 164 simultaneously.

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of two-housing assembly 110 before strip162 has been attached to one of housings 164. FIG. 86 is a perspectiveview of two-housing assembly 110 after strip 162 been attached to one ofhousings 164. In some embodiments, housings 164 may be connected (e.g.,by weld or adhesive) before or after strip 162 is attached. In someembodiments, housings 164 may be disconnected but may become squeezedtogether when pushed through an aperture of a single pusher. A pusherfor two-housing assembly 110 may be similar to the pusher of FIG. 67 or71 but may include a wider aperture. For example, a narrower portion ofthe aperture may be equal to the height of both housings 164 in theircollapsed states, while the wider portion of the aperture may be equalto the height of both housings 164 in their collapsed states added withthe height of strip 162. FIG. 88 shows a front view of two-housingassembly 110. FIG. 89 shows a side view of two-housing assembly 110 withhousings 164 attached to each other by respective outer surfaces andwith strip 162 permanently or temporarily attached to the outer surfaceof one of housings 164.

FIG. 90 depicts a flowchart of an illustrative process 9000 forattaching a strip to a housing, according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

At 9002, an internal support member may be inserted into a collapsiblehousing such that it is arranged along a longitudinal axis of an innersurface of the collapsible housing. For example, internal support member6 may be inserted into housing 2. In another example, internal supportmember 26 may be inserted into housing 2. In another example, internalsupport member 48 may be inserted into housing 2. In a further example,internal support member 72 may be inserted into housing 2. In someembodiments, the insertion may be performed manually. In someembodiments, the insertion may be performed automatically.

At 9004, an outer support member may be arranged along an outer surfacethe collapsible housing opposite the internal support member. Forexample, outside support member including horn 8 may be positionedopposite the internal support member 6. In another example, outersupport member 22 may be positioned opposite the internal support member26. In another example, outer support member 42 may be positionedopposite the internal support member 48. In a further example, outersupport member 76 may be positioned opposite the internal support member72. In some embodiments, the arrangement may be performed manually. Insome embodiments, the arrangement may be performed automatically.

At 9006, the outer support member (e.g., outer support members 8, 22,42, 76) and the internal support member (e.g., one of the internalsupport members 6, 26, 48, and 72) are configured to position a stripalong the outer surface. In some embodiments, the positioning may beperformed manually. In some embodiments, the positioning may beperformed automatically.

At 9008, a welding element may be activated to permanently weld thestrip to the outer surface. The welding may be performed using one ofthe ways described in steps 9010, 9012, 9014, and 9016-9018.

At 9010, the welding may be accomplished using high-frequency vibration.For example, power may be provided to ultrasonic sealing horn 8. At9012, the welding may be accomplished using a heating element. Forexample, power may be provided to one or more heating elements 24 and28. At 9014, the welding may be accomplished using high-frequencyalternating current, for example, energy may be provided to one oftransducers 52 and 44. At 9016-9018, the welding may be accomplishedusing hot airflow. For example, at 9016, hot air may be provided to hotair inlet 82, while negative pressure is provided to keep the stripslightly away from the outer surface of the housing. At 9018, thenegative pressure is removed, and the melted strip is pushed into theouter surface of the housing to complete the weld.

The processes, systems, methods, and products discussed above areintended to be illustrative and not limiting. One skilled in the artwould appreciate that the steps of the processes discussed herein may beomitted, modified, combined, and/or rearranged, and any additional stepsmay be performed without departing from the scope of this disclosure.More generally, the above disclosure is meant to be exemplary and notlimiting. Only the claims that follow are meant to set bounds as to whatthe present disclosure includes. Furthermore, it should be noted thatthe features and limitations described in any one embodiment may beapplied to any other embodiment herein, and examples relating to oneembodiment may be combined with any other embodiment in a suitablemanner, done in different orders, or done in parallel. It should also benoted, the systems and/or methods described above may be applied to, orused in accordance with, other systems and/or methods.

While some portions of this disclosure may refer to “convention,” anysuch reference is merely to provide context to the instant disclosureand does not form any admission as to what constitutes the state of theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an internal support memberconfigured to be inserted into a collapsible housing and arranged alonga longitudinal axis of an inner surface of the collapsible housing, theinternal support member having an I-beam shape that is curved to supportthe collapsible housing; and an outer support member arranged along anouter surface the collapsible housing opposite the internal supportmember, wherein: the outer support member and the internal supportmember are configured to position a strip along the outer surface; andat least one of the internal support member or the outer support membercomprises a welding element configured to permanently weld the strip tothe outer surface.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the outer supportmember comprises the welding element; and the welding element isconfigured to permanently weld the strip to the outer surface using highfrequency vibrations.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the outersupport member comprises the welding element; the welding elementcomprises a heating element; and the welding element is configured topermanently weld the strip to the outer surface by using the heatingelement to partially melt the strip and the wall.
 4. The system of claim1, wherein: the outer support member comprises the welding element; andthe welding element is configured to permanently weld the strip to theouter surface using high frequency alternating current.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein: the outer support member comprises the weldingelement; the welding element comprises an air pathway for hightemperature air; and the welding element is configured to permanentlyweld the strip to the outer surface using the high temperature air. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the internal support member and the outersupport member are configured to apply opposing forces to the strip andto the collapsible housing.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein theinternal support member comprises an elongated anvil.
 8. A methodcomprising: inserting an internal support member into a collapsiblehousing such that it is arranged along a longitudinal axis of an innersurface of the collapsible housing; arranging an outer support memberalong an outer surface the collapsible housing opposite the internalsupport member; positioning a teethed strip along the outer surfaceusing the outer support member and the internal support member; andpermanently welding the strip to the outer surface using a weldingelement, wherein at least one of the internal support member or theouter support member comprises the welding element.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein: the outer support member comprises the weldingelement; and the permanently welding comprises permanently welding thestrip to the outer surface using high frequency vibrations.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, wherein: the outer support member comprises thewelding element; the welding element comprises a heating element; andthe permanently welding comprises permanently welding the strip to theouter surface by using the heating element to partially melt the stripand the wall.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein: the outer supportmember comprises the welding element; and the permanently weldingcomprises permanently welding the strip to the outer surface using highfrequency alternating current.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein: theouter support member comprises the welding element; the welding elementcomprises an air pathway for high temperature air; and the permanentlywelding comprises permanently welding the strip to the outer surfaceusing the high temperature air.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein thepositioning the strip comprises: applying opposing forces to the stripand to the collapsible housing by the internal support member and theouter support member.